sit
to Menzie's.

"It was this address I wanted," said he, producing a couple of sheets of
paper having the name of the hotel stamped on them. "These are for our
friend, Dick. I intend to swindle the swindler," he added, as he handed
Reg the letter he had written, as follows:

"Dear Dick Burton,

"A chum of mine recommends you as being the very man I want to
assist me in a little bit of fun. Meet me at Pier Hotel, St. Kilda,
on Tuesday, at 10.45, and bring a good horse. There's a lady in it.

"Yours, etc.,
"WATSON.

"P.S.--Enquire for letter of instruction at the bar."

"That's for Dick at this end. Now for another at the other end," and he
sat down and wrote:

"Melbourne.

"MY DEAR RICHARD,

"I am very much obliged by your coming. Did you ever hear of a case
in which a swindler was swindled? This is one. Remember honesty is
the best policy.

"Yours etc.,
"WATSON."

"The first I will post to-night, and the second I will leave at the
hotel to be called for."

About eight o'clock Terence turned up, and reported having shadowed Dick
first to the Telegraph office, then to the Gaiety, and out to the
Cumberland, before he came back to the stand. This seemed satisfactory
news to the boys, and they again tipped Terence, and after giving him a
few further instructions, let him go.

"Now for Tasmania," said Hal.

They found the _Pateena_ was advertised to leave at noon for Launceston,
and were successful in securing a couple of good berths. In the midst of
their packing the following morning, it flashed upon Hal that he had
made no arrangements whereby Terence could communicate with them, so
they walked towards his stand, but finding both Dick and Terence there,
they passed on. As a young urchin calling out "Monthly Guide" passed by
them, Reg stopped him, and told him to follow them to the hotel.

"I'm fly, governor; go ahead," he said.

Shortly after the youngster joined them, and Hal gave him a note for
Terence, instructing him where to write.

"Take this," he said, "to the second cab on the stand, with the black
horse, No. 1974, and here's a shilling for you."

"Eight you are, boss; but I suppose yer going to shout."

"Certainly, what will you have--lemonade, ginger-pop?--"

"Go along with yer. A glass of beer, and not too much froth on it is my
style. Ginger-pop, indeed! Do you take me for a temperance lecturer?
Here's to ye